[Bgmrc-list] Fwd: PTC March of Dimes "March for Babies" Walk-a-Thon Update

[Chris McGehee]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Sam Smith <kd4shk at arrl.net>
Date: Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Subject: PTC March of Dimes "March for Babies" Walk-a-Thon Update
To: Chris McGhee <kl0udchris at mcgehee.cc>


 Chris,

Would you post this info on the Coweta ARES/BGMRC reflectors.  This is a
copy of what I posted to the Fayette ARES / 521 group reflectors.  I will be
looking for volunteers in a few weeks, but I want everyone to get it on
their calendars.

Thanks,
Sam  KD4SHK



Huey KI4NGD and I attended the Peachtree City March of Dimes
Walk-a-Thon  organizational
meeting yesterday (Friday) with representatives of the March of Dimes,
Kiwanis Club, Police Dept, Fire/EMS, Public Works, Recreation Dept. and City
Hall.

Several attendees (Police and March of Dimes representatives) graciously
thanked the Hams for assisting, noting how much of a help they have been
over the years.  Capt Pye with the Police Dept noted that the Hams "really
saved our butt" two years ago when so many walkers got off the course.

There are several changes from last year, several of which were a direct
result of the Ham volunteers' suggestions:
- The route will be shorter.  It will be 3.1 miles, vs. last year's 6.2miles.
- Due to the shorter route, the # of checkpoints will probably be reduced to
only two.
- The route will not reverse itself (walkers won't be going both directions
on the route).
- All path intersections will be marked with signs, clearly marking the
route.
- A separate "kids area" should reduce the number of younger kids running
throughout the festival area.

The number of walkers is expected to be noticeably larger than last year,
partially due to the shorter route.  Last year they had approx 375, this
year well over 400 are expected.  The start time has changed as well.  Last
year was 10:00 am, this year the walk will start at 9:30, with registration
beginning at 8 am.

The Hams have been requested to provide the following assistance this year:
- Net Control / Assistant at Headquarters w/ event staff.
- Sweep vehicle (golf cart which trails the last walker).
- Communications for SAG vehicles (3 or 4 golf carts which patrol the route,
looking for walkers in need of assistance).
- One Ham at each Checkpoint (2).

Golf carts will be provided by the staff.

I would like to utilize APRS to track the Sweep vehicle and the SAG's.  I
have a "base" setup and one tracker, but need 2-3 more trackers.  If anyone
has one, please let me know.

So, we'll need approximately 8-10 Hams to assist with the event.  Since it
starts earlier, and has a shorter route than last year, it should conclude
before noon.  Please put this on your calendars (Saturday, April 26th).  In
about a month, I'll start taking volunteers.

If anyone has any recommendations on how to make the event run smoother or
safer, please let me know.  The event staff have been very receptive to our
suggestions.

73,
Sam Smith   KD4SHK
kd4shk at arrl.net